Australian leadership expert reaches more than 100,000 leaders worldwide with a message of courage, kindness and human-centred leadership
BRISBANE, Australia — 10 June 2026 — Leadership expert, author and keynote speaker Sonia McDonald has been recognised as one of the most influential voices in modern leadership, having now reached more than 100,000 leaders across Australia and around the world.
As Founder and CEO of LeadershipHQ, Sonia has spent more than three decades helping leaders and organisations navigate change, build resilience and create cultures where people thrive — through keynote presentations, executive coaching, leadership programs and her books Leadership Attitude, Just Rock It! and First Comes Courage.
Her message is simple but powerful: leadership is not a title — it is a way of being.
“Today’s leaders need more than technical skills,” said McDonald. “They need courage, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the ability to genuinely connect with people.”
Known for authentic storytelling and practical, neuroscience-backed leadership insights, Sonia draws on her own journey of overcoming adversity, rebuilding her life as a single mother and building one of Australia’s leading leadership development businesses.
Her work has earned national and international recognition, including listings among the Top 250 Most Influential Women, Top 100 Women of Influence and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs.
At a time when organisations face AI disruption, workforce transformation, burnout and declining trust, Sonia’s human-centred approach continues to resonate with audiences seeking practical strategies and meaningful change.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” says McDonald. “It’s about having the courage to show up, speak up and create environments where others can succeed.”
Through LeadershipHQ, Worksparks., The Leadership Association and her global speaking engagements, Sonia continues her mission to create a more courageous, compassionate and human future of leadership.
ENDS
Media enquiries, speaking engagements and interviews:
Sonia McDonald
Founder & CEO, LeadershipHQ
Email: sonia@leadershiphq.com.au
Phone: 1300 719 665
www.soniamcdonald.com | www.leadershiphq.com.au
